Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

No, in fairness the Deputy told his people to be very peaceful. I want him to understand that if he wants specific answers with the details of that nature, I am quite sure the Minister for Justice and Equality will answer them in some detail. The Deputy's question concerned the expenditure by the Department of the Taoiseach and I have outlined the figure to the euro.

At least €300 million in respect of beneficial coverage for the country was generated. It emanated from the many thousands of articles and media items given about our people and nation during the course of the two visits, and it will last for many years to come in terms of benefit to the hospitality and tourism sectors, not to mention business and a range of other areas.

In respect of the cost of the visit to the Department, flowers and wreaths cost €1,182.38; the gift to the Queen of a book on the horseracing industry with particular reference to English racing was €200; coach hire was €2,900; catering was €19,709.44 - for the rashers, I suppose; printing was €298; and equipment hire was €1,419. The coaches had to be hired from the evening before the ceremony in order to be security checked which added to the cost. For security reasons, there was no parking at Islandbridge so guests were transported by coach from the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

See this speech in context